Hearing Loss is Often Perceived Negatively Which Will Affect Your Overall Health

Your life can be significantly affected by hearing loss, in a way that goes beyond the inability to hear. Having difficulty performing daily activities, and strained relationships are some examples of the general effect of loss of hearing.

A survey carried out by AARP found that neglected hearing loss had a more significant effect on quality of life than:

Stroke

Cancer

Diabetes

Obesity

There are many people who don’t seek help with their hearing loss despite the fact that it gets in the way of their lives. A perceived stigma associated with loss of hearing is one reason why people with hearing loss don’t get the treatment they need, say researchers. Being treated differently is one reason people who suffer from hearing loss are worried to tell anyone they can’t hear very well. An altered self image can be formed as a result of this perception, impacting the young and the old.

It’s Not Only You

As lifespans grow longer, hearing loss has become more commonplace, in spite of the fact that it can effect people of any age, The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are at risk of hearing loss and the perceived perceptions that come along with it, many of them young adults. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most widespread health issues adults face. The reluctance to get help persists even while the amount of people with hearing loss increases. How does this affect one’s general health?

How Is Hearing Loss Viewed?

By definition, stigma means a brand that marks a person as inferior and that more or less says it all. Feeling older, less healthy, and less able are concerns that many with hearing loss have.

Historically, there is some foundation for this worry. A 2010 study revealed when people have hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But the data from this research is nearly a decade old. As hearing loss becomes more common, this perception is improving. Sophisticated, stylish, and fun technology is now available that even has celebrities openly wearing hearing aids. Also helping to change hearts and minds, research reveals that getting treatment might delay or prevent other health issues connected to aging like cognitive decline and dementia. Some people still don’t get help in spite of this research.

What Difference Does it Make?

Don’t allow your anxiety about negative perception stop you from getting treatment or you might suffer permanent health consequences. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP survey, more often than they get hearing tests. Not getting a hearing examination because you refuse to acknowledge your hearing loss will affect your health as you get older.

Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss

Not taking care of your hearing loss can have the following health consequences;

Fatigue

In life, everything is harder if you are struggling to hear. It’s difficult to try to hear conversations and everyday sounds. Because you can’t hear traffic or a person walking up behind you, you need to put more work into keeping safe also. You can become chronically fatigued simply by attempting to hear common sounds.

Common Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and even migraines can be induced by anxiety and tension. Studies have shown a link, though you might not have realized there was a connection, between certain forms of hearing loss and migraines. Even if you’re not prone to migraines, your brain has to compensate for the sounds you can’t hear, and that effort can make your head hurt.

Mental Health

You might also be facing mental health issues as a consequence of your untreated loss of hearing such as depression and social anxiety. Social isolation is worse when you have hearing loss and it can also lead to dementia. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go along with these other issues.

The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Overcome

Surmounting these negative perceptions begins with seeking out help. Hearing loss is treatable. If you make the decision not to get treatment, you should recognize that you are the one who suffers.

You also might be stressing out over nothing because not all hearing loss is permanent. You can’t be sure what the problem is unless you make an appointment to get a hearing exam. It could be simple earwax buildup.

Recognizing you have hearing loss is not enough, you need to take action. Hearing aids come in many style options now. If you don’t want others to know about your condition, then look for devices that are less noticeable.

Most significantly, show everyone that you have lots of confidence in spite of your hearing loss. Put on your hearing aids and let everyone know you are just as active, happy, and engaged as everyone else. Everyone who has hearing loss will also be helped by your actions. Negative perceptions are social poisons so stay strong and increase awareness to change them.